COMMUNITY FORUM

Subflooring for ceramic tile

Hello,I am putting in an entryway into our home and have just attached the backer board with adhesive and durock screws. I will be putting ceramic tiles on top of the backer board. My question is this: I cannot seem to get the screws to be completely flush with the backer board, I used a power drill. They are sticking up just slightly. Is this a problem or is this ok because I am puting the mortar on top of the board and screws. Any help would be appreciated...ThanksCraig

cehceh,No you can't leave it like this.First,you need to find out why the screws are sticking up.Could it be you are using a drill that is not charged enough?Therefore it is not able to drill the screws far enough in.Possibly you are hitting a steel beam.Or, possibly you are using screws that are too long and are drilling into floor joists that that have not been predrilled.

Randy,Thanks so much for your reply, I Will look into the drill charge first. IS it possible that the drill is not powerful enough, its a 9 volt drill and I noticed in a recent sales paper drills that are 18 volts....Thanks again for you help, I appreciate itTake careCraig

cehceh,9-volt is pretty much the bottom end of drills.Even fully charged you will find it difficult to drill in the manner you are trying to.I have a 14-volt drill that I used for the same project that you are doing.If you can afford the 18-volt you should go for that.

I have found this same problem even with high powered drills when installing the screws into a very solid floor. It is a pain, but either back out the screws a few turns to make"another run" at it, or grind the heads flush with a hand grinder (not the prefered method)Good Luck!Dodgeman